Council celebrates honor; discusses fire station needs
Published 8:05 am Thursday, November 7, 2013
Wednesday’s regular City Council meeting began with a small celebration. Mayor Randy Roach told the council about being named the city of the year in Acadiana Profile magazine. He went on to say how the achievement was only possible because of the work the council does on a regular basis. He gave the members certificates to congratulate them for the recognition from the magazine.
“It’s good news, and it’s nice to be recognized in a positive way,” Roach said.
The meeting addressed a number of local issues, including those associated with a pair of fire stations. Council members discussed two ordinances for final action. One dealt with providing basic furnishings and equipment for Fire Station 9, at 2991 East Gauthier Road. The second ordinance addressed providing furnishings and equipment in the same manner for Fire Station 10, at 9253 Gulf Highway. In each instance, $15,000 will be used to provide the items. Councilman Stuart Weatherford described the amounts as “ballpark figures.” He said the council doesn’t anticipate reaching that amount for each station.
The council also addressed the Planning and Zoning Commission’s recent decision to approve a request for a minor conditional-use permit to construct 30 duplex dwelling units within a business district. The business district is on the west side of the 400 Block Bunker Road. City Councilwoman Mary Morris voted against the item, saying she preferred that the area be more stable and that duplexes would only take away from that.
“I would like to have more stable market value homes in that area,” Morris said. The council approved the rezoning. Morris was the only member against it.
An ordinance amendment regarding the removal of dead trees on local property was also discussed. Council members discussed the details in amending the ordinance, before deciding against making any significant decision. Councilman Rodney Geyen suggested the council wait to make any decisions until they were all able to fully understand the details of the amendment.
The item was deferred until Nov. 20.
(American Press Archives)
